Albany protestors continue to camp outside South Station, calling for action
ALBANY, NY (WRGB) — Protestors continue to camp out by the Albany police south station.
They say they aren’t going to leave until action is taken against officers they say mishandled their protest last Wednesday.
Police have Arch Street blocked so protestors can stay.
MORE: Some protestors camping out at Albany Police Station
CBS6 sought to find out how much incidents like this cost the city, however we didn’t get an answer.
Activists say Wednesday’s nights protest was for those killed nationwide, as well as for injustice in the Capital Region.
However, Albany’s mayor and the chief of police released body cam video saying the event was a riot, and an attempt to attack officers.
MORE: Protests in the Capital Region calling for Albany police officers to be fired and justice
Protestors say otherwise. They say two officers should be fired for assault, and that they aren’t leaving until action is taken.
CBS6 spoke with Derrick Hogan, a Partner at Tully Rinckey law firm.
He says it is legal to remain in place if not blocking an entrance.
MORE: Albany Police Chief and Mayor Sheehan show body cam footage from protest
Police told me they’ve cordoned off the area and are being conducive to the process.
Hogan says protestors can’t block roads and cannot incite violence.
“The big thing people need to watch out for is if they engage in what would be tumultuous or violent activity, or if they remain in that place with the intent of engaging in tumultuous or violent activity,” said Hogan.
We found that since Wednesday’s protest at the south police station, barriers went up at headquarters on Henry Johnson. Police spokesman Steve Smith could not confirm when they arrived or why.
He did say they are asking protestors not to damage property, cause injuries or violence. He didn’t have an answer about overtime costs.
MORE: Woman who accuses Albany police of assault reacts to release of bodycam video
CBS6 also went to city hall for answers, but was referred to the police department.
Police did tell us that rumors of the chief stepping down are untrue.
